Yamaha YZF-R7HO: bikesales Bike of the Year 2022 finalist
Some may laugh at a sportsbike whose output is well below 100hp, but the YZF-R7HO turns that notion on its head
Why is the Yamaha YZF-R7HO a bikesales BOTY finalist?
Yamaha’s never been afraid to do things differently, and the YZF-R7HO is a prime example. It’s not a ‘sportsbike’ in the traditional sense – withering performance where horsepower rules the roost – but one where handling is the more critical part of the matrix.
The YZF-R7HO (as in High Output, as there’s also an ‘LA’ LAMS version) is an all-new platform except for one major exception: its crossplane-crank 689cc parallel-twin, which is the same one found in the brand’s MT-07 naked bike and Ténéré 700 adventure model.
The engine produces a claimed 76.7hp (56.4kW) at 9000rpm and 68Nm at 6500rpm. That's some very modest power- and torque-to-weight ratios compared to the other sportsbikes in the firm’s line-up – think the more traditional YZF-R6 and YZF-R1 screaming in-line fours – but the crux of the matter is that riders will appreciate that robust mid-range.
Plus, it looks as menacing as any litre-class sportsbike, is narrow and compact and just effortless to ride – credentials that have well and truly earnt its stripes as a 2022 bikesales Bike of the Year finalist.
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Who will the Yamaha YZF-R7HO appeal to?
There’s an old-school simplicity about the YZF-R7HO, with the mandatory ABS about the only tech feature – which means there’s only one riding mode. The shock of it all!
The same level of humility certainly hasn’t put the MT-07 or Ténéré 700 into a tailspin and, for many riders, is actually a huge gravitational pull.
But that doesn’t mean the YZF-R7HO isn’t a pure sports machine in terms of ride position, so if the racer's crouch is getting beyond you perhaps then the MT-07 naked bike might be the better option.
However, if you’re up for tucking behind the screen and getting full aerodynamic efficiency, you’ll appreciate all its charms: light controls, that chunky mid-range, ripper gearbox and beautiful corner-carving engagement. Those attributes also make the Yamaha YZF-R7HO a great commuter.
What does the Yamaha YZF-R7 cost?
The retail price is $15,049 ride away – and as Rod Chapman pointed out in his review on the YZF-R7HO, you could buy nearly two-and-a-half R7s for the cost of the YZF-R1M!
That illustrates just how accessible the machine is, but at that retail price there are obvious spec limitations – there’s no quickshifter as standard and, as we’ve already alluded to, there’s no cornering ABS, traction control, Bluetooth connectivity and semi-active suspension. But heading for the hills is still a hoot!
The Yamaha YZF-R7HO comes in three liveries: Icon Blue, Yamaha Black and a special one to celebrate Yamaha’s 60-year history in grand prix racing.
What have we already said about the Yamaha YZF-R7?
Quite simply, the YZF-R7HO has so much going for it, and provides unadulterated bliss when slicing and dicing on country roads.
It produces an involving ride at a modest price – “finesse over fury” as Chappo said in his review, and with a temperament that has wide-ranging appeal.
Our final take: “If you love sportsbikes but you want a more forgiving ride, you’ll find the Yamaha YZF-R7HO fits the bill, and will save you big bucks not only in the showroom, but on servicing costs and consumables too.”
YZF-R7HO specs at a glance:
Price: $15,049 ride away
Engine: 689cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC parallel-twin
Output: 76.7hp (56.4kW) at 9000rpm, 68Nm at 6500rpm
Transmission: Six-speed
Weight: 188kg (wet)
Seat height: 835mm
Fuel capacity: 12.8 litres
Related Reading:
2022 Yamaha YZF-R7HO Review
LAMS sportsbike buyer’s guide
2022 Yamaha YZF-R7LA (LAMS) Review
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